On the evening of August 1st, the second round of the Olympic women’s basketball group stage began, with host nation France facing off against Nigeria. At half-time, the French women’s team leads Nigeria by a score of 38-31.
The game started with France quickly capitalizing on their home advantage to take control. Ayayi scored a three-pointer, and Williams was in excellent form as France took an 11-4 lead. However, Nigeria’s Kalu responded with drives and outside shots to help her team catch up. The two teams entered a back-and-forth rhythm towards the end of the quarter, and at the end of the first quarter, the French women’s team led Nigeria 24-20.
In the second quarter, Johannes hit two consecutive three-pointers, but Nigeria had a good response with Okonkwo hitting a three-pointer from beyond the arc. Both teams maintained the rhythm of the first quarter. Although France extended their lead to seven points at one point, Musa’s three-point play reduced the gap to just two points. France called a timeout out of necessity. After the timeout, Williams continued her hot hand, and the French women’s team widened the gap once again. Eventually, Amukamara made one of two free throws to regain a point. At half-time, the French women’s team leads Nigeria 38-31.
Half-time statistics: French women’s team: Ayayi 5 points, Bedieng 6 points 4 rebounds, Williams 10 points 4 assists, Johannes 6 points, Lapeyre 5 points. Nigerian women’s team: Okonkwo 6 points, Musa 7 points 7 rebounds, Kalu 9 points 2 assists, Amukamara 5 points 3 assists.